Spain's national football team reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since winning the title in 2010, after defeating Portugal 1-0 on Monday evening in Arlington, USA. This is the fourth victory for Spain against Portugal in major tournaments, both European and world. The teams were tied 0-0 until the 90+1 minute, when midfielder Mikel Merino broke into the penalty area of the 'Brazil of Europe' and scored the only goal of the match at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The stadium, which seats approximately 80,000 spectators, hosted the ninth meeting between the two teams in major football tournaments. With four wins, Portugal has won twice, and three matches ended in draws. Merino's goal enabled Spain to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since the 2010 South Africa edition, which gave them their only World Cup title. Spain exited the 2014 edition in Brazil in the group stage, and the 2018 Russia and 2022 Qatar editions in the Round of 16. After three early exits, the players of Spanish coach Luis de la Fuente succeeded in returning their country to the quarterfinals. For their part, they will face on Friday the winner of the match between Belgium and the United States, scheduled for early Tuesday.